Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. However, what of the stinkers, the low achievers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by review aggregator Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.
10. Switch 2's Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many expressing disappointment it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that praised the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game was lacking in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with high-quality racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left unplayed.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the confusing colon usage is a minor point of contention. This compilation of 1990s-era platforming games showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. Critics observed that these games haven't aged well in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling contrast to the critical reception.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighter encountered significant backlash from both professionals and fans. Issues included a small fighter lineup and a severe lack of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some stating a wish that the title's flop would have consequences for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this motorcycle action game tasks players with gathering slime-like creatures. Reviewers felt that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience didn't land, coming across as more of a quick spin-off than a substantial addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a full retail cost was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in production delays. The team behind it opted to release the game as an period-accurate artifact of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the interesting history of its development was more interesting than the actual gameplay.
4. Salvation
Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 2.4
This anime-styled action game modeled after games like *Returnal* failed to impress with critics. The main issues were uninspired foes, samey environments, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator
Metascore: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This shift away from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull collection of repetitive tasks that very soon became boring. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Intended to be a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic disappointment. Reviews savaged its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of technical problems. Several found it to be a regression compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Among the overwhelming criticism, a few of fans found value in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.
